Uber has ended its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, bringing its 12-year presence in Africa’s most populous country and decade-long run in Uganda to a close. The ride-hailing company said the decision took effect on September 2, 2026, following a review of its business priorities and investment focus. Uber did not give specific reasons for leaving either market but stressed that the decision does not affect its remaining African operations. Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, initially launching in Lagos before expanding to other cities, including Abuja. In Uganda, it began operating in Kampala in 2016. The company became a major player in both markets, but drivers have increasingly complained about rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs, fares and platform commissions.
Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector has also become more competitive, with platforms such as Bolt and inDrive competing for passengers and drivers. Uber’s departure follows years of pressure on operators from inflation, currency volatility and higher operating expenses. The company has also clarified that its Nigerian exit is unrelated to recent regulatory changes affecting ride-hailing services at the country’s airports. The withdrawal is part of a wider reduction in Uber’s African footprint. The company left Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 and Tanzania earlier in 2026. Its services now remain in four African countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
The African exits came as Uber announced a major global restructuring. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said the company would cut about 3,300 jobs, or roughly 10% of its global workforce, as it seeks a simpler structure and faster decision-making. Uber has also been directing significant investment towards autonomous-vehicle technology and other growth areas. For passengers and drivers in Nigeria and Uganda, the departure is expected to create opportunities for competing platforms to expand. In Kampala, services such as Bolt, Faras, SafeBoda and Yango are positioned to compete for Uber’s former customers and drivers. Uber said its Help Centre will remain available until September 23 to address outstanding customer issues.
